FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County officials joined Fairleigh Dickinson University administrators, military leaders and community representatives last week to honor 90 graduating high school seniors from the Class of 2026 who have enlisted in the U.S. armed forces.
The recognition ceremony, held at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham campus, marked the 10th anniversary of Our Community Salutes of North Jersey, a program recognizing students entering military service after graduation.
The event included a ceremonial Oath of Enlistment administered by retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Edward Chrystal.
Our Community Salutes, founded in 2009, is a national nonprofit organization that supports military enlistees and their families as they transition into military service. Each spring, the organization hosts recognition ceremonies for military-bound graduates across the country.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presented certificates of honor on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners to Fairleigh Dickinson University President Michael Avaltroni and Dr. Martha Papson Garcia, director of veterans services at FDU and a U.S. Army veteran, recognizing the university’s decade of hosting the annual ceremony.
Shaw also presented Morris County Certificates of Honor to enlistees from Morris County.
“Your decision reflects courage, commitment and a willingness to stand for something greater than yourselves, and we thank you,” said Director Shaw told the enlistees. “This year’s ceremony is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. Here in Morris County, we are closely reminded of the sacrifices made to secure our freedom, as General George Washington and the Continental Army fought for our nation’s independence from British rule. Freedom endures because of those willing to defend it — individuals like you.”
The ceremony was coordinated by FDU’s Office of Veterans Services and featured the national anthem performed by the United States Military Academy Regimental Brass Quintet.
Speakers included retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher Sands, president of the New Jersey Society Sons of the American Revolution; Assemblywomen Aura K. Dunn and Marisa Sweeney; and Assemblyman Brian Bergen, a U.S. Army combat veteran.
FDU has hosted the North Jersey ceremony since 2017 and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps eligible veterans attend the university with full tuition coverage.
During his remarks, Shaw highlighted Morris County’s continued investment in veterans services, including expansion of the county Veterans Services Office and staffing increases over the past four years.
He also noted the county’s Veterans Compendium, an online archive preserving the stories of Morris County veterans dating back to the American Revolution.
County officials said Morris County’s next veterans recognition ceremony is scheduled for May 20 on Court Street in Morristown, where 12 veterans will receive the Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal during the county’s annual Memorial Day observance.
